Byron Allen Steps into Late Night: A New Chapter for CBS
As “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” prepares to conclude its remarkable run next month, CBS is strategically reimagining its late-night programming. In a significant move, the network has opted to sell its 11:35 p.m. ET timeslot – traditionally following local news – to media mogul Byron Allen. This deal will see back-to-back episodes of Allen’s popular comedy series, “Comics Unleashed,” shift an hour earlier.
The agreement extends through the 2026-2027 television season. Furthermore, Allen will continue to lease the 12:37 a.m. hour with another offering from his Allen Media Group, the comedic game show “Funny You Should Ask.” This expansion solidifies Allen’s footprint on CBS and marks a new direction for the network’s late-night strategy.
A History of Filling the Gap
Allen has previously filled these late-night gaps for CBS. He initially secured the 12:37 a.m. slot following the conclusion of “The Late Late Show With James Corden” in 2023-2024, before the launch of “After Midnight” in January 2024. He then re-occupied the slot in September 2025 after “After Midnight” ended its run. Now, with Colbert’s departure, Allen is poised to take on a more prominent role.
“I created and launched ‘Comics Unleashed’ 20 years ago so my fellow comedians could have a platform to do what we all love – make people laugh,” Allen stated. “I truly appreciate CBS’ confidence in me by picking up our two-hour comedy block of ‘Comics Unleashed’ and ‘Funny You Should Ask,’ because the world can never have enough laughter.”
The Financial Implications and a Shift in Strategy
While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, industry insiders suggest that CBS is transitioning from paying for expensive late-night programming to receiving payment for the timeslot. This represents a significant shift in strategy, potentially paving the way for more economical and original content in the late-night landscape. Instead of producing a high-cost talk show, CBS will benefit from Allen’s advertising revenue.
CBS expects its affiliates to continue airing both “Comics Unleashed” and “Funny You Should Ask,” treating them as national network programming. “Comics Unleashed,” which originally ran for 233 episodes between 2006 and 2016, resumed production for the 2025-2026 season. “Funny You Should Ask” premiered in syndication in 2017.
Allen’s Long-Awaited Opportunity
Allen has openly expressed his desire to take over a prime late-night slot for years. During New York’s Advertising Week in October, he stated, “50 years, I’ve been waiting for this moment. Definitely, I’m going for it… I’m investing millions and millions of dollars to prove myself.”
The Controversy Surrounding Colbert’s Departure
The cancellation of “The Late Show” has been shrouded in controversy. While CBS cited financial reasons, many believe the decision was influenced by external pressures, particularly following Colbert’s criticism of Paramount Global’s settlement with Donald Trump. The Guardian provides further insight into the political context surrounding the show’s ending.
David Letterman, Colbert’s predecessor, publicly criticized CBS’s handling of the situation, calling it “pure cowardice.” The situation also sparked calls for investigation into potential bribery, with the Writers Guild of America urging a probe by the New York state attorney general.
Regardless of the reasons behind Colbert’s departure, Byron Allen is now poised to lead a new era of late-night programming on CBS, bringing his unique brand of comedy to a wider audience.
